Under-13s only Ballymena Youth Academy team in competitive action

It was a quiet week at Ballymena United Youth Academy with only the under 13s in Friday night action against Cliftonville, a game that was recorded for viewing on the NIBFA TV channel.

The sky blues lost out on the night when luck was not on their side but can be pleased with some of the football played. The 13’s are back in action at the Larne Sevens this week along with a number of other younger United sides, full details will be in next weeks reports.

Cliftonville U-13 3, BUYA U-13 1: The skies failed to convert early openings and were made to pay when their defence was caught flat footed as the Reds powerful striker raced away to convert for the home side.

Things were not going United’s ways as key defender Blake Douglas had to leave the field with an eye problem and fellow centre back Timmy McClure picked up a heavy knock before attacker Seanie Macintosh retired due to another major collision with the Reds number 1.

United then gave away a free kick in a dangerous area outside the box, it appeared, but the referee awarded a penalty which was converted.

United got back into the game after a dipping shot was parried by the Reds keeper and spilled to Timmy Bailie who converted to narrow the defecit. A somewhat controversial sending off further hampered United’s cause in the second period and Cliftonville took advantage of the extra man to hammer home a free kick for their third goal.

NIFL YOUTH LEAGUE CUP

Dundela 4, Ballymena United U-19 2: The wee sky blue went into this game with only five of their regular panel due to injury, suspensions and call ups to the reserves.

Making their competitive league cup debuts were under 16s Adam Neill, Lorenzo Dawkins,Rhys Smyth and Andrew Smith along with under 17s Bradley Cairns, Callum McGall,Philip Maybin and Rhys Omullan. Striker Bradley Cairns donned the gloves due to keeper Ben McCauley’s promotion to the reserves.